Monday, 30 November 2009

I have recently learned of the Italian born French doctor Guillaume-Benjamin Duchenne. Renowned for his discovery of hereditary muscular dystrophy. By using high voltage electrical currents on live humans from an inductor coil, he was able to study facial expressions. He deduced that genuine display of happiness lie in the contraction of the muscles of the mouth and of the cheeks and eyes. They form crow’s feet, hence the term “Duchenne smile”.

Here photography meets science in the name of research. To demonstrate the effects and prove his theory Duchenne of course used the only 'truthful' medium to do so, the camera. Duchenne published the photographic examples in his book entitled "M�canisme de la physionomie humaine" (1862)The results simultaneously intriguing and funny!

The wild hair and the vacant, insouciance of Ruth's stare are what struck me at first in Emmet Gowin's capture. Then the details start to appear. The little, but nonetheless, important details and components that make a photograph what it is. The brush in her hand as she clasps over her other hand, lead the eye nicely over to the large pocket complete with a dotted pattern. Pointless to go on, as I am just listing all that is visible. More to the heart of the matter, why this photograph speaks to me lies in its mystery, all is not revealed. It brings to mind an Arbus quote along the lines of 'A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know'

My initial reason for watching Tod Browning's 'Freaks' was primarily for inspiration and research for a carnival-esque themed project. Plus the fact it is often cited as one of Diane Arbus' favourite films. I was instantly gripped and curious, as well as moved. Perhaps some argue it is of its time, yet it's universal truth prevails, it has this strange quality to revert the years, you feel like a child being told a fantastical myth. The authenticity of the actors also makes it all the more profound and touching. Plus the typical old black and white look, especially in the wood scene at the start created this magical aura that not only helps make the film magical but casts this mysterious otherworldly glow.